Ragdoll Cat Forums

Hi all,

We took Barney to the vet yesterday to get a general wellness check. He is still sneezing a bit, mucky eyes and snotty little nose. When I mentioned this to the breeder she posted us some tablets for him, but I didn't want to use them without being sure they were ok for him. So we took him in and the vet said it was okay to use them and if he still had symptoms after the course of them, then they woudl do some swabs. But while she was cheking his ears, taking his temperature etc she got out a vial from the fridge and injected it into him. Well I thought his temperature was a bit high and she was giving him a shot for that reason, as they have done this for Ava before. But then she asked for his vaccination card and realised that he had been done a few weeks ago! The receptionist that made the appointment had booked it in as a vaccination appointment, and even though I told the vet we were bringing Barney in for a general check-up and about the sneezing she still thought we were there for a vaccination.

The vet didn't charge us and didn't seem to think it would affect him, but I am just not sure. She did confirm that he was an indoors only cat which makes me think she only gave him F3, but I can't be sure. Barney has been no different and is still eating and using his litter box. Does anyone have any experience with this or know if it might be a problem?

A double vaccination is not a problem. However, I would not get a vaccination for a cat who has symptoms. So, I think the vet lacked care times two. She should have checked the records herself to see what was due. She should not have vaccinated a sick cat. (Neither is unheard of from good vets, but I would be disappointed and would keep my eyes open about any other signs of potential trouble.)

I know I was dissapointed too Jan. I had seen two vets, including this one, at the practice and wasn't fussed on either of them until we came across another that actually recognised a proper ragdoll and spent nearly an hour going over Ava and Felix for their initial check up. Unfortunately when I rang to make an appointment for Barney the vet I wanted was on holiday, so I thought that being as it was such an easier general check up it should be okay to use the vet on duty. Big mistake there!

My husband was quiet upset and concerned for him, as am I. The breeder had even thought that Barney's sneezing and mucky eyes might be a slight reaction to his first vaccination shortly before we picked him up. We are giving him the tablets the breeder sent so hopefully he doesn't come down with another reaction to the second vaccination and make it worse. We will keep a close eye on him. Thanks for the help.

You should make a complaint, that is very poor service. I feel really bad for you that it happened, hopefully Barney will be fine and you won't go back to that vet lol.

It sounds like the first mistake may have been a staff/vet tech one.

Sorry to hear this happened Kathryn. I am not sure how I would react personally. I guess humans make errors, doctors and the like. As long as Barney is OK, that is the main thing, and they did not charge you, so that is a good thing, being their error and all, expected. Let us know how he is, but I am sure he will be fine

Sometimes, I think vets get in such a routine and they need to slow down because they can make mistakes. It is not recommended that a cat who has symptoms of a cold/fever get their shots. I believe I was told it can make the cold symptoms worse sometimes. But as long as your kitten isn't getting worse it is probably ok. Sorry, you had to go through that. We only want the best for our babies and it is upsetting when these things happen.

Just thought I would let everyone know that Barney is fine. It is a week today since he had his double vaccination and he has shown no signs of adverse effects. He has also finished his antibiotics for his sneezing and mucky eyes. I am glad to say that the sneezing is much reduced but he still seems to get black/ brown stuff under his eyes on his lovely white fur! But he seems energetic enough and is eating well.

the brown/black discharge is just from excess tear production (or clogged or inefficient tear ducts). The iron in the tears turns brown/black when it dries. My cats had this when they were younger, and it seemed to clear up on its own as they got older. So keep an eye on it, but it's nothing major to worry about if he's otherwise fine. To clean it off, take a sterile gauze pad, cut it/tear it in two, moisten it with warm water, and gently clean around his eyes when he's sleepy and calm. Use a different gauze pad (or piece of gauze pad) for each eye.

I'm so relieved to hear that Barney is okay. Our Menou gets sick after vaccinations, and I'd be furious if either of our boys were given an extra one by mistake.
I think I expect more from a vet than from a medical doctor for humans. Humans can speak for themselves. Oh this makes me MAD!